US-Saudi Strikes on Iran-Backed Militias Spark New Escalation

The Middle East is once again on edge as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American forces in the region, followed by US-led strikes against Tehran-backed militias in Iraq.

At least six Iranian advisers were killed in the US-Saudi strike, according to two Iraqi militia officials who spoke to the Associated Press. The exact number of casualties is not yet clear.

The flare-up comes after several days of relative calm and has raised concerns about a return to all-out war. The fighting has also added pressure on already dwindling stockpiles of sophisticated munitions needed to defend US bases and allies.

Saudi Arabia accused the Iraqi militias of firing drones against its oil facilities over the past two days, prompting the US-led strikes. An umbrella group of Iraqi militias denied the allegations, while another Iran-backed group, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, claimed responsibility for attacking Saudi energy facilities as part of a separate but related conflict.

The renewed hostilities have sent oil prices spiking, with Brent crude jumping 3.1% to $84.58 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz has been a major flashpoint in the conflict, and Iran's deputy foreign minister rejected an Omani proposal for jointly managing ship traffic through the waterway.